Castle Neymoe

Explorer Tom Ballysumaghan Church in County Sligo gave up meat for Lent but kept the limestone gate piers because they were too nice to let go. It’s a Board of First Fruits design, which sounds like a bad band from the eighties that never got famous. The bell tower is square and very serious about it all.

Explorer Tom The Old Rectory in Lurgan has a secret talent for juggling multiple gable fronts without looking too busy. It’s got brass door furniture and sash windows that sparkle when the light hits them just right. Wave from the landscaped grounds, don’t wander in!

Explorer Tom Giants Grave in County Sligo started because two lads bet fifty quid that they could find a bigger stone than the one next door. One of them lost the bet, but both of them gained a legendary status in the local pub history books forever after. A proper spot for a flask of tea and a big think.

Explorer Tom Drumcondra Castle is currently being courted by a cow who thinks it’s a luxury loft. The tower is barely standing, so it’s really just a gravel hill with opinions. Get a photo with it before it gets a better agent.

Explorer Tom Graveyard in Kilross is hiding behind a church ruin, looking like it’s trying to blend into the background of history. Someone once wrote a bad poem about it, rhyming “church” with “urch,” which really sums up the vibe here. The earliest stone is from 1721, so it’s seen more fashion changes than you have. Look up, the best bit is always higher than you think.

Explorer Tom Druids Altar in Carrownagh would survive a zombie attack by just lying down and pretending to be part of the landscape. It’s basically a stone skeleton that gave up on life centuries ago. If it rains, blame me.

Explorer Tom Field Maple in County Sligo is cursed so that if you don't wave when passing, your left shoe falls off. It’s not magic, just bad luck with excellent timing. It's the kind of place that makes a dull Tuesday interesting.

Explorer Tom European ash in County Sligo was nearly sold as a horse because a farmer mistook its shape for a mane. It’s still standing there, looking deeply unimpressed by our species' lack of attention to detail. Take a breath of that air, it's older than your car.

Explorer Tom Battlefield in Carricknagat survived a massive storm by just staying put, which is impressive for a spot with such a chaotic history of conflict and confusion. It’s got a real 'I’ve seen it all' attitude that makes you feel like your problems are tiny in comparison to the old wars. Go at sunset and thank me later.

Explorer Tom The Battle of Collooney in County Sligo took about four cups of tea to build up the energy needed for the fighting, and they used them all up. Bartholomew Teeling put up a monument there, which is basically a giant finger wagged at history for forgetting this little scuffle. Stop the car, it's worth the hazard lights.

Explorer Tom Slishwood Island East is where a priest once lost a bet and has been sulking about it ever since, probably hiding in the trees. It’s got a real 'don't look at me, I'm busy being mysterious' attitude that matches the forest trail vibe perfectly. Stand on the spot and imagine the gossip it's heard.

Explorer Tom Cottage Island thinks the road leading to it is a massive overstatement for what is essentially just a muddy path with delusions of grandeur. It’s basically a sidewalk that got lost on the way. Bring a flask and pretend you own the place.